Meet Sue……

Saffron Souk loves Sue Tyson Designs handcrafted jewellery and accessories. We have been lucky enough to view (and make several purchases) of her stunning pieces at many of the local markets around Dubai, and soon they will be available on saffronsouk.com. We can’t wait.

To help you learn more about Sue and her jewellery have a read through Saffron Souk Q&A with Sue below….. it is sure to raise a smile (and a giggle!).

Since the ancient art of Italian glassblowing was born around the 14th Century, influenced later by Middle Eastern techniques, the industry has dwindled somewhat due to new generations distracted by other work opportunities. I hope, in some small way, to encourage some of the local, often very economically challenged Muranese families to keep going as they produce some of the world’s most beautiful & breathtaking glasswork.

When did you decide to start your own enterprise? Selling?

In the Far East, Hong Kong, 2002.

What’s the best thing about setting up your own brand?

Letting your imagination & inspiration run wild and creating from that. Having the freedom to try, to design without restriction and limits. Realising that it is your unique creation and no-one else’s! Also having confidence to keep going despite so many setbacks…

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

Oh, so many in the UAE! Building Brand awareness in the Emirates, changing & conflicting regulatory statutes, financing my ideas and craft, quality sourcing issues, disappointment, plagiarism, trust… deciding whether to keep going – I’m quite stubborn and do believe I am offering something very different, I don’t like to give up easily!

What do you love about selling online?

Throwing an idea and design to the wind and wider community on a local & international level, getting feedback – good and bad. You learn a lot about what the rest of the world thinks! My last pieces I sold were beautiful Italian Murano Glass designs to a lady in Moscow, Russia and to a member of the Omani Royal Family in Muscat!

Any exciting news to share?

Yes! Recently got my Trade Licence in Dubai so now my designs can soar further and higher. Am so excited! Watch out for a new Autumn/Winter Collection 2012…….

A few (don’t believe anyone who says they don’t regret!); that I didn’t start my Design business sooner, that I didn’t study Art & Design at College after school but chose another route. But sometimes Creativity waits to be born at the right time!

Who would you most like to meet?

Meryl Streep

You’re throwing a fantasy dinner party. Who do you invite, alive, dead, real or ficticious?

Well, in fate – if something’s meant to be, I think it mostly is (although my husband would disagree, as cynics tend to!). It seems to me that, once you’ve realized internally what you need spiritually, artistically, it can materialize, though not always when you’re expecting it.

I remember waiting on a tiny airstrip in French Polynesia one full moon night, for a plane to take me home to Balham, (I missed the flight, another story) after a brilliant holiday. I realized then & there, that I wanted to move overseas to work in a warmer, natural environment. That was 17 years ago!

Do you have a motto?

Gosh… strive to be the best you can in your craft, be kind to people and animals and sleep with a clear conscience. This morning a friend shared on FB some wisdom from the Dalai Lama – I totally agree:

8. Sue & a little Dalai Lama wisdom!

Post blog publication note (31 Oct 2013):

Sue has recently relocated to Hong Kong and therefore has closed her boutique on saffronsouk.com. Which is sad for us, but fantastic for her and all those Hong Kong dwellers! To see more of her work visit her facebook page, by clicking here.

The Saffron Souk is a Gulf-based community for lovers of creativity and beautiful things. Whether you’re a maker, a merchant of unique things or a lover of the hard to find, The Saffron Souk is a place where you can connect, interact and shop from people with the common interest of a love for creativity and beautiful things.